the statement captured the essence of his success, his extraordinary leadership, his un flinching patriotism, his belief in the common good, his devotion to the unending fight for a more perfect union. yes, mr. president, tip carried this torch for all who believed the purpose of politics is to improve the lives of others. tip carried the torch for the underdog, for the person on the street, for the families struggling to pay the bills. he carried the torch of opportunity, equality, and to every budget negotiation, every legislative battle, every bipartisan agreement. tip carried the personal -- personal manifestation of the american dream and he carried the torch for everyone else who strived to achieve it. for tip, standing on principle is not about political gain, it was about fighting for the voiceless and for the aspirations of the middle class. for tip the effort to reform and save social security was not about figures on a page, it was about the seniors struggling to make ends meet. that's why we were always so proud of what he did with preg reagan to prolong the life of social securi